Paterson officials unveiled a new playground for the community on Friday.

The newly renovated Brandes Playground has officially opened on Marshall Street near Dr. Hani Awadellah Elementary School.

Mayor Andre Sayegh says it is an important recreation space.

"We want our children to beat the streets. We want to give them positive alternatives and having outlets like this means that parents don’t have to drive to neighboring towns, spend money on gas, put mileage on their cars, when they can play right here in the city of Paterson,” Sayegh says.

The new playground comes with the $1 million renovation of Brandes Field, which includes new turf, bathroom improvements and fencing.